Statement on Behalf of the Presidents’ Forum

Canada Soccer and the Presidents of our Member Associations, known as The Presidents’ Forum, have an important and special relationship. Together, we work to provide assistance, offer advice and support our membership at every level and in every corner of our country. Coming off a meeting last week, the Presidents’ Forum asked Canada Soccer to issue the following statement on their behalf:

The Canada Soccer Presidents’ Forum champions and supports the game of soccer across Canada and is represented by the Presidents of the thirteen (13 Member Associations). In light of the leadership changes at Canada Soccer, we would like to bring some awareness to the Presidents’ Forum position moving forward and responsibilities to the game of soccer in Canada.  

Canada Soccer’s Member Associations strive for a positive and successful future for our sport and assists with delivery of the following:

• Grassroots, competitive, and high-performance soccer programs;
• Safe, positive and fun soccer experiences for players, volunteers, referees, coaches, and administrators;
• Quality youth and National programs;
• Equitable treatment of all members; and,
• Transparent and accountable governance structures.  

Moving forward:

• We will continue to lead strong Provincial and Territorial Soccer Associations so that youth and adults have safe and high quality environments to play soccer – this is why we are all volunteering our time and efforts every day.
  
• We will put forward bylaw reforms and amendments to improve transparency, accountability, and governance at Canada Soccer.
  
• We will continue our work to transition from a Presidents’ Forum to a Members’ Council, changing the representation to all voting members within Canada Soccer.
  
• Our goal with the Members’ Council is to work with Canada Soccer to be a strategic and collaborative voice across the country and to continue to achieve the highest successes of our game on a local, national and international level in the youth and senior levels of soccer, futsal, and para-soccer.
  
• We will continue to provide strong support to Canada Soccer grow the game of soccer in this country.

“We want to thank the Presidents’ Forum for their recent meetings and conversations with our leadership, which were tremendously productive,” said Charmaine Crooks, Canada Soccer Interim President. “We look forward to resetting and building upon this important relationship at such a critical time for our organization’s history.”